Frederick William of Hohenzollern: known as the great elector; ruled scattered territories that stretched seven hundred miles from Cleves on the Rhine to the Baltics. Frederick had a very strong army, especially because the 30 years was going on at the time.
The Diet of Brandenburg: (1653) met for the lsat time and gave Frederick William the right to raise taxes without consent
The War Chest: Office in charge of financing the army took over the functions of treasury department and collected government revenue even when state was at peace. War commisioners became the principal agents of all government departments.
Junkers: From the german word "jung herr" or "young lord". Junkers were Prussian nobles and the main supporters of the state building. They devised two tax rates, one for the countryside and one for the noblility. The Junkers reimposed serfdom and made highly profitable estates
Frederick III: In exchange for troops to Leopold I in the War of Spanish Succession, Frederick III got "King in Prussia". Frederick celebrated art and intellect and an elegant aristocracy was at the head of the social and political life.
Frederick William I: known for an emphasis on militarial aspects of ruling; forbade his subjects to serve in foreign armies; the military took over all government functions; serving the state became primary focus of education system
Frederick II: Known as Frederick the Great; believed in deism; sentimental and artistic; very strong beleiver in absolutism and began the idea of the "enlightened monarch" in that he struggled with moral issues, was very tolerent of all religions, and reformed the judicial system. Won a battle against Austria and gained the territory of Silesia.
Absolutism: Prussia
Frederick William of Hohenzollern: known as the great elector; ruled scattered territories that stretched seven hundred miles from Cleves on the Rhine to the Baltics. Frederick had a very strong army, especially because the 30 years was going on at the time.